The suicide attempt occurred at about 4 a.m. Monday, and fellow inmates who saw what it happening notified corrections officers by pushing intercom buttons in their cells, Provenzano said. Lopez was conscious and breathing when officers found him, the sheriff said.

Authorities said it was the second time Lopez has attempted suicide.

Lopez is one of three men accused of breaking into a home in Bridgewater at 3 a.m. on July 30, 2007, and robbing the family at gunpoint.

Along with Angel Rosa and Ruben Sanchez, Lopez was scheduled to stand trial next week on multiple charges, including first-degree robbery, second-degree burglary and second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose.

Monday's suicide attempt was the second time Lopez has tried to hang himself in jail, Provenzano said. In August, a corrections officer spotted him and managed to get him down. At that time, he was transported to the psychiatric hospital, but was ultimately cleared and returned to the county jail, Provenzano said.